Tag: JDM

The Nissan Skyline GT-R turns 50

Godzilla is still going strong!

In 1969, Nissan released one of the most famous names in Japanese motorsports: The Nissan Skyline GT-R. The progenitor GT-R was a far cry from the GT-R that we think of today. Instead of a hulking, powerful, all-wheel-drive beast capable of straining necks with its acceleration, the original GT-R was a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive machine designed to chase cars like the BMW 1600.

The “Hakosuka” went on to become one of the most desirable cars of the island nation. Today, the GT-R name is continuing to excite enthusiasts and even gamers alike. And now, Nissan celebrates the GT-R nameplate with the new 50th Anniversary Edition Nissan GT-R.

  • The Nissan Skyline GT-R turns 50
    The Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition. Photo © Nissan Motor Co. LTD.

This new trim package includes tweaks to the car’s turbos, suspension, and shift programs. Also included is the addition of titanium mufflers, and the return of a now iconic color option: Bayside Blue. This eye-catching shade of blue was first used on the R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R. Personally, I prefer the “Lightning Yellow” the R34 was available with, but Bayside Blue is definitely a close second for me!

The only reference to production numbers for the 50th Anniversary Edition GT-R is from this article, which references a limited run of 50 units for Europe. It’s likely that both North America and Asia are only going to see a 50-unit run as well, making the car a very rare sight! The price is said to be around $120,000 USD

Now, if only they could bring back that Midnight Purple Edition.

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Is the NSX Type R making a comeback?

The Acura NSX “Dream Project” from SEMA 2017. Could the new NSX-R look like this? Photo © 2017 James Wong, CarAdvice.com.au

This might be just what Honda needs

Since the launch of the hybrid NSX, Honda/Acura has been having a rough go moving units. Despite its good looks, great performance, and great gas mileage, interest in the car has waned. It’s gotten to the point that dealers are slashing prices with huge rebates in order to sell more cars. Right now is probably the best time to get Honda’s hybrid supercar. You might want to hold off on that though. Apparently, the legendary NSX Type R is making a comeback!

The original NSX Type R was a potent machine; designed for track days and carving through canyon roads. While the original NSX was around 2900 pounds, the Type R managed to shave off a little over 200 pounds. In addition to the lightened chassis, the Type R used a more aggressive suspension. The Type R (now called the NSX-R) returned in 2002 with the same tried-and-true formula. Thanks to those modifications, both cars were able remain competitive even as rival machines became more powerful.

  • The original NSX Type R
    The original NSX Type R was a track-focused machine released in 1992. Photo © Honda Motor Co. Ltd.
  • The 2002 Honda NSX-R
    2002 saw the return of the NSX Type R as the NSX-R, featuring the same formula that made the original car so sought-after. Photo © Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

If Honda is indeed making a new version of the NSX-R, this might be a chance to address the issues of the current-gen NSX. As I stated before, it’s not exactly selling like hotcakes right now. One of its current complaints is the lack of performance compared to its rivals. Maybe the new NSX-R will be a track-focused machine like its predecessors? I can imagine a version where both the electric motors and the engine get a significant power boost, while the body has lighter-weight panels and aerodynamics reminiscent of the NSX-GT3 race car.

Only time will tell come October at the Toyko Auto Salon.

The NSX-GT3 Prototype driving in the rain.
The NSX-GT3 could be the inspiration behind the new NSX-R. Photo © 2016 Maxim
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Toyota is making parts for the MkIII Supra again!

A MkIII and MkIV Supra side-by-side. Photo © 2013 Nick Dufait

Supra enthusiasts rejoice!

As of late, everyone seems to be getting “Supra Fever”. We have a new Toyota Supra coming out after 20 years, and prices for the previous generation are sky-rocketing. It’s a little surprising to learn that the MkIII Supra’s aren’t as sought after as its later brethren. This hasn’t stopped enthusiasts from buying used examples though. Now, Toyota has announced that they are remaking replacement parts for both the MkIII (A70) and MkIV (A80) Toyota Supras!

  • 1992-mkiii-supra-sunroof
    A 1992 MkIII Supra with sunroof and new Toyota emblem. Photo © 2017 Allfans26, Wikipedia.
  • red-toyota-mkiv-front
    A red Toyota Supra MkIV (A80) SZ seen from the front. Photo © 2012 Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, Wikimedia Commons

This is just part of the latest trend of manufacturers remaking original parts for their now classic cars. Mazda, Honda, and Nissan are all part of this trend; each manufacturer has either announced or started a classic OEM parts program.

Though it may not seem like a big deal, it was cars like the MkIII Supra that created many enthusiasts. In fact, the MkIII Toyota Supra holds a special place in my heart

Influenced by Gran Turismo

When ever I booted up Gran Turismo™ for the PlayStation®, I always started Career mode with the MkIII (MA70) Toyota Supra. Always in red; always with a chip and a sport exhaust. It was incredibly competitive at the lower tiers of racing in that game. With it, won my first Sunday Cup. That virtual car seared itself into my memory, and to this day, I still place that car into my top ten list of cars I would love to own.

I had that same exact car in Gran Turismo! Video by Criken Tearfall. Gran Turismo® and PlayStation™ © Sony, Polyphony Digital.

Since you can still find examples of the MkIII for a good price, I’m excited to hear about Toyota’s plan! If I ever got a MkIII, I wouldn’t have to worry about scrounging eBay for MAF-to-Turbo Intake Hoses!

Well, now I’m going to be spending my afternoon trolling through Craigslist and scheming! Perhaps soon I’ll be bombing around country roads in a MkIII Supra!

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